Birchbark Publishing

Press Release

A new book helps sufferers of plantar fasciitis combat the injury’s grueling effects; the incidence of the crippling foot disorder may increase due to the rise in obesity and an aging population.

Minneapolis, MN, September 01, 2008 --(PR.com)-- A newly released book helps victims of plantar fasciitis combat the injury’s grueling effects, while requiring no medical or invasive treatments such as surgery, injections, or other medication. A widespread foot condition, plantar fasciitis is experienced at one time or another by up to 10% of the world’s population. Many experts believe that number may increase due to the rise of obesity and an aging population, two of the primary plantar fasciitis risk factors.

“This is the first book available to present such a multi-faceted, full-frontal assault on plantar fasciitis,” said Patrick Hafner, the author of Injury Afoot: 30 Things You Can Do to Relieve Heel Pain and Speed Healing of Plantar Fasciitis, published by Birchbark Publishing. “There are many actions a person can take to alleviate the pain caused by plantar fasciitis; this book serves as a central resource for plantar fasciitis sufferers as it contains all of those steps in one place.”

Hafner describes the following as risk factors of plantar fasciitis: extensive running, hiking, extended working while standing, poor footwear, lack of flexibility, and surpassing the 40-year mark. “And sadly,” he adds, “victims of plantar fasciitis are often folks who are trying to improve their health by engaging in exercise. This book is designed to eliminate plantar fasciitis risk factors, help a person recover, and let them get back to an active lifestyle.”

The book includes 30 action items to guide plantar fasciitis victims through the healing process. Each suggested action is listed in its own short chapter, intended to ease navigation from item to item. And it avoids scientific jargon. “A person whose feet are in agony will not be impressed with lengthy technical lingo,” said Hafner. “The guidelines are concise and translated it into lay person’s terms. Following them is not difficult. This saves readers time and makes their recuperation journey easier.”

Plantar fasciitis sufferers often turn to grave measures such as corticosteroid injections and surgery, both considered risky and ineffective by many in the medical community. Hafner agrees with that view. “When the body is injured, it’s eager to heal itself. With a condition like plantar fasciitis, the body’s healing process basically needs as many odds as possible stacked in its favor, and it will take care of the rest. Without a scalpel, hypodermic needle, or bottle of pills.” He continued, “This book will help a plantar fasciitis victim do just that. In 30 different ways.”

Injury Afoot: 30 Things You Can Do to Relieve Heel Pain and Speed Healing of Plantar Fasciitis is now available to the public nationwide through Barnes & Noble, and is being sold in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Germany, and the UK through Amazon.com.

About Patrick Hafner:Patrick Hafner has been involved in fitness and conditioning for over 30 years. He competed for 15 years in wrestling sports, winning numerous state, regional, and international titles, and has worked as a strength training adviser and judo instructor. As a hiking enthusiast, Patrick has explored trails all over North America and Europe. As a runner, he has completed over 70 races. Patrick holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota.